WNBA star, player for the Phoenix Mercury, Brittany Griner’s Russian ordeal is finally over. She is happily on a flight and on her way home from Russia. She was found guilty on drug charges and what many considered harshly and unjustly sentenced to 9 years in a desolate Russian Prison camp several months ago.
Her family and others concerned were alarmed about unsafe and unhealthy conditions in the camp that they feared posed a danger to her life.
The questions that many Americans as well as her fans around the world have had about why it has taken so long to negotiate any workable deal to get her home, can now end. Thanks to God, the Biden Administration and Brittany’s family and caring friends, she is out of a cell and free from that experience.
The conversation will undoubtedly now turn to the behind the scenes negotiations involved in the prisoner swap that was instrumental in securing Griner’s release. The prisoner exchanged for Brittany is Russian arms dealer Victor Bout. It has been reported that he is a prisoner that the United States was extremely reluctant to release. In addition, the fact that there is a war raging on between Russia and Ukraine likely complicated matters making the negotiations process even more complex. Credit skillful negotiations for that feat.
The Biden administration is being deservedly praised for the success of the negotiations. Biden has committed to seeing that every US citizen unjustly detained in foreign lands is released and their families made whole. That would include Mr. Paul Whelan who has been locked up in Russia on espionage charges for 4 years.
Biden has been on a roll with a string of successes that include the recent midterm election results.
Expressions of gratitude for Griner’s successful release were extended to President Biden, Vice President Harris and Biden’s entire administration as well as to the many others including the Griner family.
Please pray for Brittany’s traveling grace, that she may safely reach American soil and be reunited with her family and friends while enjoying the love, peace and joy of this holiday season. Also pray that those who still remain in foreign custody unjustly will be soon released.
Peace and blessings,
Cynthia Wilson, Blog Founder and Editor
